Danger of Popcorn

Popcorn has been around for ages. (Image: popcorn image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com)

Popcorn is a snack that has been around for ages. Despite this, there are some inherent dangers in eating popcorn, whether it be movie popcorn or fresh out of the microwave.

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Chipping a Tooth

According to dietblog.com, a New York man recently sued a movie theater for damages after cracking his tooth on a popcorn kernel. The judge ruled that instead of eating his popcorn a handful at a time perhaps the man should eat his popcorn one piece at a time. Most bags of popcorn have un-popped kernels, so be vigilant and eat your popcorn one piece at a time to will help save your teeth.

Microwave Popcorn and Carcinogens

According to the FDA, microwave popcorn bags have a chemical coating that can break down into perfluorooctanoic when exposed to radiation. Perfluorooctanoic is listed by the FDA as a likely carcinogen.

Popcorn Workers Lung

Popcorn workers lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans is caused by diacetyl, an FDA approved substance found in the fake butter flavoring typically found in microwave popcorn. Though found in factory workers who were exposed to diacetyl, it is uncertain whether or not consumers are exposed to a large enough amount to be at risk.